Manchester City cruised into the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, while holders Newcastle United advanced after a dramatic late goal gave them a 2-1 win over Fulham on the night.
City controlled their quarter-final tie despite making seven changes from the side that beat Crystal Palace at the weekend, with manager Pep Guardiola resting several key players. Rayan Cherki broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, and a Savinho effort that took a deflection sealed the win in the second half. The victory marked another step in City’s aim to secure silverware this season and continued their momentum across all competitions.
Across the country at St James’ Park, Newcastle lived up to their status as cup holders by edging past Fulham in dramatic fashion. Yoane Wissa gave Newcastle an early lead after Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte parried a low cross into his path, and Sasa Lukic quickly levelled for the visitors. With the tie seemingly headed for extra time or penalties, 19-year-old Lewis Miley rose highest in stoppage time to glance home a stoppage-time header from a corner, sending the home crowd into raptures and booking Newcastle’s place in the last four.
The semi-final draw has now set up a compelling last-four clash between City and Newcastle, with the tie to be played over two legs in January and February next year. In the other semi-final, Chelsea, fresh from a 3-1 win at Cardiff City earlier in the week, will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace, who meet in the remaining quarter-final.
City’s progression underscores their strength in depth, with Guardiola rotating his squad while maintaining positive results. For Newcastle, the dramatic winner from Miley provided a major boost after a recent derby defeat to Sunderland and keeps their hopes alive of defending the League Cup title they lifted last season.
Overall, Wednesday’s action highlighted the drama and unpredictability of knockout cup football, with both big-name teams advancing but in very different fashions — City with controlled efficiency and Newcastle with last-gasp excitement.
